Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich
Arjen Robben’s 89th minute winner stunned Dortmund and washed away the demons of past final defeats as Bayern Munich won the Champions League for the 5th time.
Wembley was a sea of yellow and red, with both sets of fans contributing to the magnificent ocassion. The all German final did not disappoint either; flowing, exuberant and classy football from both sides made this one of the best finals of recent years.
Jupp Heynckes and Jurgen Klopp cut very different managerial animations, Heynckes very calm, Klopp very passionate. The game started stunningly, both sides knew each other so well and we could see this on the pitch, Dortmund dominated the opening 30 minutes though, inspiration Robert Lewandowski had two fantastic efforts saved by Neuer, Reus was then denied after a full length stretch from Neuer at his near post.
Dortmund continued to press, Sven Bender connecting with the ball sweetly but once again Neuer saved. Jurgen Klopp appaluding every Dortmund attack in his traditonal animated style. Bayern couldn’t contain the constant stream of yellow men coming at them in the opening 30 but when they did carve out a chance they should of scored.
A great cross in from star man Robben and striker Mandzukic had his header tipped onto the bar by Weidenfeller. Moments later Robben was put through but he buckled under pressure, Weidenfeller denying him. Half time and we were goalless but the final was living up to all expectations and the atmosphere was traditionally German; flares, fans bouncing, banners and flags made Wembley a true sight to see.
The second half arrived and this is where the game got it’s goals. The first arrived on the hour, Ribery who was again influential throughout the night played in Robben and the dutchman calmly slid the ball across to Mandzukic who slotted in from 6 yards. The red end of Wembley went beserk as the Dortmund fans fell silent.
But the lead lasted just 7 minutes, Bayern’s big man Dante recklessly fouled Reus in the box. Penalty. Gundogan stepped up and fired home. Now it was the Dortmund fans in deliera. Bayern players and fans certainly had a feeling of ‘deja vu’ after last years final defeat.
Bayern were pushing and they almost found a winner when Thomas Mueller rounded Weidenfeller, his shot looked destined for the net but the lunging Subotic recovered to clear off the line. Klopp fist pumping with joy at this moment.
Both goalkeepers had been outstanding throughout the night, Weidenfeller demonstrated his ability with fine stops late on to deny David Alaba and Bastian Schweinsteiger. The final was entering a close but fans still knew something was coming, they were not wrong.
89 minutes, Ribery with an unbeliveable flick put Robben through on goal and the dutchman realised his dream and slotted past Weidenfeller, sparking supernatural celebrations. Bayern held on in stoppage time, Dortmund were visibly stunned and when Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli sounded the final whistle, those supernatural Bayern celebrations went to new heights.
Robben was in tears at the final whistle after suffering heartbreak many a year prior, but this night belonged to Bayern who deservedly win their 5th European crown, further emphasising the dominace German football has in this current era.